Nutrition in India: Poshan 2.0 and a Broader Agenda
Why in the news
Budget 2025 gave more money to two nutrition schemes, prompting a debate on whether higher funding alone can fix India’s nutrition problem.
NFHS-5 snapshot
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Children under five stunted | 36% |
| Women (15-49) anaemic | 57% |
| Women overweight or obese | 24% |
| Men overweight or obese | 23% |
| Taking diabetes medication | 14% |
Gaps in current programmes
- Poshan 2.0 and Saksham Anganwadi offer take-home rations, supplementary food and iron-folic acid tablets.
- They concentrate on hotspots such as aspirational districts and the north-east.
- Focus is on women and children, leaving out men, senior citizens, older women and people with NCDs such as diabetes and hypertension.
Way forward
- Cover all population groups.
- Promote local nutrient-dense foods over sugary processed goods.
- Make Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) the main implementers in rural and urban areas, with dedicated nutrition staff.
- Win support of local leaders; public ownership helped smallpox vaccine adoption in China.
- Tailor plans to regional diets; treat health as well-being, not only absence of illness.
Exam angle
- Schemes: Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.
- Data source: NFHS-5.